The most surprising is the Los Angeles Lakers being tied with the New Orleans Hornets. Chris Paul had a triple double as the Hornets won game four and tied the series at 2-2. Many had predicted that the Lakers would sweep this series, but the Hornets have giving them quite a fight. Even being smaller in the front court the Hornets have held their own in the paint and scrap for every rebound. The Lakers look like they took control of this series easily winning game three and hoping to end it five at home. Chris Paul by himself has changed that. He has looked like the Chris Paul of a few years ago. He hadn't shown his explosiveness all season until this series. He had one cross over last night that almost broke Kobe Bryant's ankles. The Lakers for all their talent and championship pedigree have no killer instinct. Now they have a dog fight on their hands and this series will go at least 6 games. Each team has won a game on the opposition's home court. The Lakers still have the advantage and will be favored, but anything can happen now in a three game series.
Not so surprising. The Memphis Grizzlies leading the San Antonio Spurs. This isn't so surprising since the Grizzlies practically tanked their final three games stay in the eighth spot and meet the Spurs. They knew they had a match up advantage up front with Randolph and Marc Gasol and could hold their own in the back court. Tim Duncan has had a tough time controlling either player. Outside of him the Spurs had no other big men that can help. With Ginobili banged up the Spurs are in deep trouble, if they can't win game four tonight, this series for purposes maybe over. The Spurs do have experience advantage and can only hope that the Grizzlies who are very young get tight.
Not so surprising. The Dallas Mavericks tied with the Portland Trailblazers. The Mavericks had a chance to go up 3-1 and take control of the series but choked away a twenty three point lead. Blowing that kind of can lead mess with your head, but the Mavericks are at home. The Trailblazers have the momentum and may start thinking they are a team of destiny. The Mavericks desperately need to win tonight or they could be facing elimination on the road and even worse, if they lose this series, having the team busted up. This has happened too many times in the last few years.
The Blowouts
Oklahoma City Thunder up 3-0 over the Denver Nuggets. I thought this series might go at least six games but after almost stealing game one the Nuggets have gone backwards. They are having a tough time scoring and that is due to the Thunder defense improving with each game. The Thunder should close this out tonight.
Boston Celtics sweeping the New York Knicks. The Celtics had two close wins at home giving the Knicks hope that they could even the series at home. But without Billups who got injured in game one and Stoudemire's back flared up the Knicks were done. Carmelo could not carry the load by himself. This would have been a great time for Shaq to break a sweat.
The Miami Heat leading the Philadelphia 76ers 3-1, the Heat had a chance to sweep the 76ers but the 76ers show some heart and grit and get to return to Miami. Not a bad place to start the off season.
Atlanta Hawks leading the Orlando Magic 3-1. This is somewhat surprising but Hawks have done a great job letting Howard score and staying on the rest of the Magic shooters.
Chicago Bulls leading the Indiana Pacers 3-1. Derrick Rose is leading the way but he hasn't gotten a lot of help from the supporting cast. His spraining his ankle is the last game has to be of concern. Might be a good idea to close this series out tonight so Rose's ankle to heal. It won't be easy because the Pacers have played the Bulls tough and could be tied with a break or two.
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